An interim report summarises the early findings of the independent team reviewing the Mental Health Act. The authors say: ‘People with serious mental illness are suffering neglect and discrimination when they have been detained for treatment…too many of those sectioned under the Mental Health Act are receiving a lack of dignity and respect from staff’. VoiceAbility teams in Birmingham, Northants, Doncaster and Camden have provided evidence to this Review.

A new survey of nearly 4,000 older people and disabled people and those who are unpaid carers has highlighted that our failing social care system is leaving many people unsafe, unfed and unwell. We are writing to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Jeremy Hunt, to tell him that enough is enough.